VACC plans raps vs PNoy over slow Mamasapano probe

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) slammed the slow pace of investigations into the Mamasapano incident and the pursuit of justice for 44 slain troopers of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force.

VACC founding chairman and president Dante Jimenez said the government should also itemize all the benefits due to the families of the 44 elite cops.

He said the VACC has put together a pool of private lawyers for cases they plan to file against President Benigno Aquino III at the end of his term.

“I challenge Malacanang, DILG and everybody there to reveal all the benefits you have given the families of the SAF 44. Itemize them. You're accountable for all those promises,” he said.

Malacanang earlier denied a claim that the families of the 44 SAF troopers are not getting the benefits due them.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. cited a press release from the Philippine National Police (PNP) that states the kin of the elite cops have already received a total of P69.57 million in lump sum death benefits. The funds came from the Office of the President, PNP and National Police Commission.

Each individual beneficiary received an average of P1,593,656.19 in total lump sum benefits, depending on rank, the PNP said.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on his Twitter account had said: “I just came from a PNPA event and the families of the #SAF44 raised that none of the promised benefits to them have been delivered.” – ANC